Fort Nelson

THE RESOURCE-FULL CITY

Fort Nelson was established first as a Hudson Bay Trading Post in 1805 and named after Admiral Nelson of the British Navy. Fort Nelson remained a small outpost until the U.S. Army arrived in early 1942. They named Fort Nelson “Zero” because on their maps Fort Nelson was the beginning of two very important roads: the Alcan leading to Delta Junction, Alaska and the other to Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories (now called the Liard Highway, part of the Deh Cho Route). The Fort Simpson, Mackenzie River Route was an alternate highway built in the event of Japanese attack on the Alaska Highway.

When the troops heading south met the troops heading north, at Contact Creek on September 24, 1942, it marked the completion of the Highway between Dawson Creek and Whitehorse. It was only after the opening of the Highway that Dawson Creek was officially named Mile 0, as it was the Highway’s southernmost point.

Fort Nelson’s economy has always been based on forestry, oil & gas. However, the oil and gas industry has struggled because of low oil prices over the past few years, and there has also been a downturn in demand for forestry products. North America’s largest gas processing plant and one of the largest deposits of shale gas in North America can be found here. Tourism has become a very important part of the economy and there are a large number of businesses in town that cater to visitors. Fort Nelson is a major transportation hub in the north. There is regular scheduled air service, it is the northern railhead of CN Rail, and the world famous Alaska Highway doubles as Main Street.

Visitor Info Centre has all the amenities visitors will need including computers, and free Wi-fi. Stop by to pick up a free copy of the Northern Rockies Travel Guide or ask the travel advisors for information on activities in Northern BC. 5500 Alaska Highway. 250-774-6400

Visitor info

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Kacees Northern Suites is a very clean motel with great rates. Kitchenette suites available, laundromat and grocery store next door. Free Wi-fi and all the conveniences you would expect. Locally owned and operated in downtown Fort Nelson. 250-233-4800

Triple “G” Hideaway RV Park Pull through sites with full hookups (30 amp), RV wash, laundry, gift shop and newly renovated bathrooms. Wi-fi hotspots and cable TV available in selected sites. Conveniently located next door to the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum and close to the Visitor Info Center and Recreation Centre. RV’s, tenter’s, and caravans welcome. Your hostesses are Glenda & Mama ‘D’. 250774-2340

There is a free public dump station and potable water in the parking lot next to the Visitor Centre and Recreation Centre. Fort Nelson Heritage Museum One of the most unique museums on the Highway. This collection all started with an antique car and truck owned by Marl Brown, a local Fort Nelson resident. Marl is still restoring and tinkering and can often be found at the site. Hundreds of license plates donated by locals and travellers and antique heavy equipment used in the building of the Alcan Highway are just some of the interesting things you will find on display. The Northern Rockies Regional Recreation Centre offers a range of things to do for travellers including a pool, water slide and indoor walking track. The facility also hosts many sporting and community events. Fort Nelson Public Library Home of the Northern Rockies Regional Historical Project whose goal is to preserve and protect local history. Come view the archives at the Library or visit their excellent Facebook page highlighting some of their extensive collection. 5315 – 50th Avenue South.

Triple G Hideaway Restaurant serves up excellent food with home cooked flavors. Prime Rib and steak specials are served on the weekend and daily features during the week. Delicious desserts are a specialty. In the old Saloon at Triple G Hideaway. 250-774-2340

Dalex Auto Services is a full service automotive and RV repair specialist. Services include: alignment, brake repairs, tune-ups, oil changes, electrical and drive ability diagnostics. They are equipped with a 40,000 lbs hoist capable of raising a large motorhome safely. This is the only facility in the north with this capability. Towing and 24-hour emergency service is also available. 4440-50th Avenue North. 250-774-6804

Fort Nelson Demonstration Forest Trails is a great choice for hikers. There are four main trails that range in length from 2 to 8 km. All trails are fairly flat with picnic tables, outhouses and benches along the way. Take Simpson Trail north from downtown, turn left on Mountain View Road and follow until you reach the parking lot at the end of the road. Trailhead access from the parking lot.

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Camping at Toad River Lodge at km 647

alaska highway

From Fort Nelson to Watson Lake the Alaska Highway weaves and wanders through the Northern tip of the Rocky Mountains, considered by many the most scenic stretch of Highway. Be on the lookout for wildlife; Stone sheep, bison, elk, bears and deer who call this region home.

North of Fort Nelson the road steadily climbs to Summit Lake which at 4,250 feet marks the highest point of the Alaska Highway (Maps pg 30-31). Summit Lake (Stone Mtn.) Provincial Campground km 598. 28 unserviced sites, most of which have a view of the nearby lake. Amenities include toilets, boat launch, picnic area and fishing in Summit Lake. Hikers can venture out on the Flower Springs Trail, or one of the other trails in the area for some spectacular alpine views and a chance to see beautiful wildflowers in the early summer. Flower Springs Trail starts just south of Summit Lake Campground. This trail takes hikers through lowland bogs and over glacial moraines (left behind from retreating glaciers) before reaching your destination at Flower Springs Lake. This is one of the most popular hikes in the region because it has amazing views and is moderately easy. It is 13.6 km round trip via the lake trail and 10.2 km round trip via the tower trail.

Further up the highway is Toad River, a small community with local lodges and businesses servicing travellers. Toad River Lodge km 647.4 (HM 422). A brand new, beautiful Lodge replaced the original lodge in 2021. Cabins with kitchenettes are available. A very nice RV park, that has full hookups, free satellite TV and Wi-fi. Reservations are recommended. Excellent restaurant with home cooked meals. Service station with fuel & repairs. 250-232-5401 or 855-878-8623

Courtesy Northern Rockies Adventures Hikers overlook beautiful Muncho Lake

muncho lake

Driving along the shores of this massive jade green alpine lake is oddly reminiscent of visiting Jasper National Park before it became so popular. Muncho has a rich history, as it presented a considerable challenge during the original US Military construction of the highway. With the help of First Nations guide, Charlie McDonald, a safe route was plotted along the shoreline. To learn more about the area’s history the book, The Mcdonald’s: The Lives & Legends of a Kaska Dena Family by Alison Tubman is a fantastic read.

A stretch of the original route has been preserved and can be enjoyed by hikers. This is a fantastic loop trail overlooking the lake (See pg. 34)

Canoeing and paddling Muncho Lake is also a favorite pastime with rentals available at local businesses. Lodging, camping and a small resort provide easy staging points to further explore this historic and awe-inspiring area. Northern Rockies Lodge & Adventures km 708 (HM 462) an impressive log building welcomes you to the resort on the shore of Muncho Lake. It offers; cabins, kitchenettes, lakeshore chalets, RV park, sauna, rentals, Wi-fi, Room service and a casual dining restaurant specializing in modern Canadian and European cuisine.

Signature guided fly-in fishing trips into the vast backcountry via float plane make for a unforgettable experience. EV-charging station, Regular & Premium fuel available. Open year-round. 1-800-663-5269

Open Year-Round

www.nrlodge.com 1-800-663-5269 (250-776-3481)

Rooms & RV

Muncho Lake

5 hrs 2.5 hrs 2.5 hrs

Whitehorse Watson Lk. Ft. Nelson

4 hrs

Ft. St. John

Muncho Lake Paddle Rent canoes or kayaks from Northern Rockies Lodge to explore beautiful Muncho Lake. Experienced paddlers may want to visit Honeymoon island and the bay to the south end of the lake. Be aware that even on a hot summers’ day the water can be very frigid! Old Alaska Hwy Trail & Viewpoint Trail starts from Strawberry flats Provincial Campground and there is a second trailhead 3km north (trailhead located along the lakeshore). Hikers will encounter an early climb as they ascend to the viewpoint trail but are soon rewarded with fantastic views of the lake below. The trail is wide, for the most part and makes for a very enjoyable hike. The route is approximately 4 km long.

The natural hot pools at Liard Hot Springs

alaska highway

Less than an hour drive North of Muncho Lake, the quintessential Alaska highway experience awaits at Liard Hotsprings. A true oasis for travellers to soak in the thermal hot pools, rejuvenate and relax in nature. Due to the thermal activity in the region, lush vegetation can be found along the boardwalk to the pools. A nearby provincial campground and lodge make for easy accommodations. Plan for at least a half days visit as you won’t want to miss this all-natural spring. Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park km 765 (HM 496). 53 campsites, water, toilets, firewood and day-use area. Change houses & boardwalks connect the pools. There is a day-use fee of $5 for adults, 34 British Columbia

Courtesy Northern Rockies Adventures fly in fishing with Northern Rockies Adventures

$3 for children or $10 for families. Don’t forget your mosquito spray! Contact Creek Lodge km 912 (HM 590) is your first stop in the Yukon. Souvenirs and fishing licenses, gas, diesel & towing service available. They typically have some of the best fuel prices on the highway. Open year-round. 867-536-2262

Bucket List

Pan for Gold in Dawson City Take a Scenic Flight in a Float Plane Add a Sign to the Signpost Forest

Visit the World’s Smallest Desert in Carcross

The Yukon claims to be larger than life and it truly is. It is home to Mt. Logan, Canada’s highest mountain, Kluane National Park, a World Heritage Site and the Yukon River, the 5th longest river in North America. It’s also the site of the world famous Klondike Gold Rush, which began in 1898 in Dawson City.

The lure of this powerful land is documented as far back as the middle 1800s when the first white men travelled here. They found well established First Nations cultures to trade with for furs and were told of gold nuggets that could be scooped from the streams.

Yukon Visitor Centers are in Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Beaver Creek, Dawson City and Carcross. The Staff are experts in their local area and can assist you in discovering the best of the Yukon, so be sure to visit them all.

Government campgrounds have water, picnic tables, firepits, firewood, picnic shelters and outhouses. There are also many private campgrounds with hookups, showers, laundromats and dump stations.

Internet is available at most private campgrounds however because of its extremely high cost it is limited. Mobile phone service is also limited and very expensive.